Barnes Claims Vacant European Flyweight Belt

In Belfast on Saturday night, Paddy Barnes was hoping to win his first professional title.

Barnes, who as an amateur twice won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and also won bronze medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, was taking on the Romanian Silviu Olteanu to claim the vacant WBO European flyweight title.

For Barnes it was a remarkable achievement considering it was only his third fight.

However, whilst two judges gave the fight to Barnes, scoring the bout 97-94 and 97-93, the third judge had it as a draw, scoring it 95-95.

Talking about taking his first professional title, Barnes remarked to the media,

‘I knew I had won, but it was a very tough fight.

‘I am happy to have had the invaluable experience of the 10 rounds and now I can push on.’